Pediatrics Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam 1 (2026/2027 Edition)
Questions and Answers with Detailed Rationales
Question 1
A pediatric nurse is caring for a child admitted with respiratory distress.
Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Mild cough
B. Oxygen saturation of 85%
C. Decreased appetite
D. Fatigue after activity
Correct Answer: B. Oxygen Saturation of 85%
Rationale:
An oxygen saturation of 85% indicates significant hypoxemia.
Maintaining adequate oxygenation is the priority using the ABC (Airway,
Breathing, Circulation) approach.
Question 2
A nurse assessing a newborn immediately after delivery should
prioritize:
A. Measuring the newborn’s length
B. Assessing airway and breathing
C. Bathing the newborn
D. Obtaining footprints
Correct Answer: B. Assessing Airway and Breathing
,Rationale:
Airway and breathing are the immediate priorities after birth to ensure
adequate oxygenation and prevent complications.
Question 3
A child with asthma is experiencing an acute attack. Which medication
should the nurse administer first?
A. Albuterol inhaler
B. Long-term corticosteroid
C. Antibiotic medication
D. Leukotriene modifier
Correct Answer: A. Albuterol Inhaler
Rationale:
Albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator that provides rapid relief by
relaxing airway muscles during acute asthma exacerbations.
Question 4
The nurse is teaching parents about asthma management. Which
statement indicates correct understanding?
A. "We will identify and avoid triggers that worsen symptoms."
B. "We will stop medication once symptoms improve."
C. "Exercise should always be avoided."
D. "Breathing problems should only be treated when severe."
,Correct Answer: A. "We will identify and avoid triggers that worsen
symptoms."
Rationale:
Avoiding triggers and following an asthma action plan help prevent
exacerbations and improve control.
Question 5
A nurse caring for a child with pneumonia should monitor most closely
for:
A. Respiratory compromise
B. Hair loss
C. Increased appetite
D. Sleep patterns only
Correct Answer: A. Respiratory Compromise
Rationale:
Pneumonia can impair gas exchange. Respiratory status, oxygen
saturation, and breathing effort require close monitoring.
Question 6
A child with cystic fibrosis is admitted for respiratory complications.
Which intervention is most important?
A. Airway clearance therapy
B. Fluid restriction
, C. Low-calorie diet
D. Avoiding physical activity
Correct Answer: A. Airway Clearance Therapy
Rationale:
Cystic fibrosis causes thick mucus secretions. Airway clearance helps
remove mucus and improve breathing.
Question 7
A nurse caring for a child with dehydration should expect which finding?
A. Decreased urine output
B. Increased tears
C. Moist mucous membranes
D. Normal skin turgor
Correct Answer: A. Decreased Urine Output
Rationale:
Reduced urine output is an early indicator of fluid volume deficit in
children.
Question 8
A child experiencing a seizure arrives in the emergency department.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Protect the child from injury
B. Restrain the child
Questions and Answers with Detailed Rationales
Question 1
A pediatric nurse is caring for a child admitted with respiratory distress.
Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Mild cough
B. Oxygen saturation of 85%
C. Decreased appetite
D. Fatigue after activity
Correct Answer: B. Oxygen Saturation of 85%
Rationale:
An oxygen saturation of 85% indicates significant hypoxemia.
Maintaining adequate oxygenation is the priority using the ABC (Airway,
Breathing, Circulation) approach.
Question 2
A nurse assessing a newborn immediately after delivery should
prioritize:
A. Measuring the newborn’s length
B. Assessing airway and breathing
C. Bathing the newborn
D. Obtaining footprints
Correct Answer: B. Assessing Airway and Breathing
,Rationale:
Airway and breathing are the immediate priorities after birth to ensure
adequate oxygenation and prevent complications.
Question 3
A child with asthma is experiencing an acute attack. Which medication
should the nurse administer first?
A. Albuterol inhaler
B. Long-term corticosteroid
C. Antibiotic medication
D. Leukotriene modifier
Correct Answer: A. Albuterol Inhaler
Rationale:
Albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator that provides rapid relief by
relaxing airway muscles during acute asthma exacerbations.
Question 4
The nurse is teaching parents about asthma management. Which
statement indicates correct understanding?
A. "We will identify and avoid triggers that worsen symptoms."
B. "We will stop medication once symptoms improve."
C. "Exercise should always be avoided."
D. "Breathing problems should only be treated when severe."
,Correct Answer: A. "We will identify and avoid triggers that worsen
symptoms."
Rationale:
Avoiding triggers and following an asthma action plan help prevent
exacerbations and improve control.
Question 5
A nurse caring for a child with pneumonia should monitor most closely
for:
A. Respiratory compromise
B. Hair loss
C. Increased appetite
D. Sleep patterns only
Correct Answer: A. Respiratory Compromise
Rationale:
Pneumonia can impair gas exchange. Respiratory status, oxygen
saturation, and breathing effort require close monitoring.
Question 6
A child with cystic fibrosis is admitted for respiratory complications.
Which intervention is most important?
A. Airway clearance therapy
B. Fluid restriction
, C. Low-calorie diet
D. Avoiding physical activity
Correct Answer: A. Airway Clearance Therapy
Rationale:
Cystic fibrosis causes thick mucus secretions. Airway clearance helps
remove mucus and improve breathing.
Question 7
A nurse caring for a child with dehydration should expect which finding?
A. Decreased urine output
B. Increased tears
C. Moist mucous membranes
D. Normal skin turgor
Correct Answer: A. Decreased Urine Output
Rationale:
Reduced urine output is an early indicator of fluid volume deficit in
children.
Question 8
A child experiencing a seizure arrives in the emergency department.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Protect the child from injury
B. Restrain the child
